Hedley Improvement District (HID)

watertechjobpostingSept2023

The Evacuation Alert issued by the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen Emergency Operations Centre (RDOS EOC) on Wednesday, May 5, 2023, remains in effect for 75 properties in Electoral Area “D” due to the threat of flooding from Shuttleworth Creek in Okanagan Falls.

Warm weather is forecast over the next several days, and increased inflows are anticipated into Shuttleworth Creek and tributaries and rivers across the Regional District. The RDOS is reminding residents and property owners to take steps now to prepare for flooding. This includes moving items in and around your home to higher ground and preparing your family and pets in case an Evacuation Order is issued on short notice.

The RDOS will continue monitoring Shuttleworth Creek and will rescind the Evacuation Alert when conditions change.

Read the full release here.

You can RECYCLE your small batteries and cell phones at the HID office.

All household batteries are accepted at the HID office for recycling. Drop them off in person from Monday to Friday between 10 am and 2 pm or through the office mail slot after

hours. Only household batteries are allowed. NO liquid filled batteries will be accepted. Recharging the planet by Recycling your batteries.

The next Monthly Meeting will be on May 15 at 10 a.m. at the Community Club Hall.

How to be Bear Aware

For more information, please review Bylaw No. 2898, 2020 on the RDOS website at www.rdos.bc.ca.

“Open burning of permitted burning materials closes at midnight on Saturday, April 15, 2023, in the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS). The closure is outlined in Bylaw No. 2898, 2020, a bylaw to regulate open burning within five RDOS Fire Protection Areas of Anarchist, Kaleden, Naramata, Okanagan Falls, and Willowbrook. If your property is located outside the areas listed above, please check with your local authority or the Province of B.C.

Open burning is not permitted April 15 to October 15 each year. To access the Burn Authorization application, please visit the RDOS website and select Permits & Licences. You can also access the Public Parcel Viewer to view Fire District Boundary locations. Please note, depending on conditions, burning season may end earlier at the discretion of the local fire chiefs.

Campfires are permitted after April 15, 2022, subject to Bylaw No. 2898, 2020. A campfire is an open fire that burns wood in one pile not exceeding 0.5 metres in height and 0.5 metres in width, and specifically for heating or warmth, cooking, or Indigenous ceremonial purpose. Campfires may be restricted by the fire chief at any time, and the Fire District will abide by a provincial fire ban in the vicinity of the Fire District.

The use of fireworks shall be in accordance with provincial regulations or Regional District Fireworks Bylaw No. 2854, 2019 for Electoral Areas “D”, “F”, and “I”.”

April 2023 Newsletter

The maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) for arsenic in drinking water is 0.010 mg/L (10 pg/L). We are very safely below these levels in all reports since 2018. Monthly water test results can be found here.

HEDLEY IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT

NOTICE TO RESIDENTS

SPRINKLING REGULATIONS

MAY 1, 2017 to SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

Summer weather always leads to a substantial increase in water usage. As summers become hotter and drier, conservation of water is becoming more important in our region. In addition, excessive pumping raises our power costs. When water demand in town exceeds the capacity of one pump, we are forced to run both pumps at once. This raises our electricity demand and allows FortisBC to bill us at a higher rate for the entire month, even if both pumps are only running for a few hours.

To keep water tolls down, Trustees have elected to go on a Time of Use Electricity Rate. As much as possible, we operate our pump during FortisBC’s off peak hours. By doing this we can save up to $1000 per month on our electricity bill during the summer months.

Reduced pumping also minimizes wear and tear on pumps, which are expensive to repair and replace.

STARTING MAY 1, 2017, watering of lawns and gardens will be subject to the following restrictions, pursuant to Section 21 (a), By-Law No. 232:

1. No use of sprinklers between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

2. Odd number houses will sprinkle on odd numbered days

3. Even number houses will sprinkle on even numbered days

• Sprinklers cannot be left running all night unless on a timer device

• Hand watering is permitted any time – (this means you must be holding the hose)

• Please turn off your sprinkler in the event of a fire in your area

• Violators may be subject to a fine pursuant to By-Law No. 232

Your cooperation with these restrictions is appreciated,

The Board of Trustees

Preventing Frozen Pipes

Before The Cold
Quick drops in temperature, poor insulation, and thermostats set too low can lead to frozen pipes.
• Insulate pipes in your home’s crawl spaces and attic. Exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing. Remember: The more insulation you use,   the better protected your pipes will be.
• Seal leaks that allow cold air inside near where pipes are located. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes, and use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out. With severe cold, even a tiny opening can let in enough cold air to cause a pipe to freeze.
• Before winter hits, disconnect garden hoses and, if possible, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just inside the house.

When The Mercury Drops
Even if you’ve taken the right preventative steps, extreme weather conditions can still harm your pipes. Here are a few more steps you can take:
• A trickle of hot and cold water might be all it takes to keep your pipes from freezing. Let warm water drip overnight, preferably from a faucet on an outside wall.
• Keep your thermostat set at the same temperature during both day and night. You might be in the habit of turning down the heat when you’re asleep, but further drops in the temperature – more common overnight – could catch you off guard and freeze your pipes.
• Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to un-insulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.

Before You Leave
Travelling in the winter months might be good for the soul, but don’t forget to think about your pipes before you leave. What can you do?
• Set the thermostat in your house no lower than 55°F (12°C).
• Ask a friend or neighbor to check your house daily to make sure it’s warm enough to prevent freezing.
• Shut off and drain the water system.

If Your Pipes Do Freeze
First step: Don’t panic. Just because they’re frozen doesn’t mean they’ve already burst. Here’s what you can do:
• If you turn on your faucets and nothing comes out, leave the faucets turned on and call a plumber.
• Do not use electrical appliances in areas of standing water: You could be electrocuted.
• Never try to thaw a pipe with a torch or other open flame because it could cause a fire hazard. Water damage is preferable to burning down your house!
• You may be able to thaw a frozen pipe with the warm air from a hair dryer. Start by warming the pipe as close to the faucet as possible, working toward the coldest section of pipe.
• If your water pipes have already burst, turn off the water at the main shutoff valve in the house; leave the water faucets turned on. Make sure everyone in your family knows where the water shutoff valve is and how to open and close it.